What tips should I keep in mind?

Zirconia crowns are the strongest and most natural-looking for back teeth Same-day CEREC crowns eliminate the need for a temporary but may cost more If you need multiple crowns, consider splitting across two plan years to maximize insurance

Dental Crown Cost Calculator

Calculate dental crown costs based on material type, tooth location, and insurance coverage.

Number of Crowns(How many crowns do you need?)

Crown Material(Material affects both appearance and durability)

Temporary Crown Needed?(Usually needed while permanent crown is made)

Insurance Coverage (%)(Crowns typically covered at 50% as major work)

Annual Maximum ($)(Your insurance annual cap (commonly $1,000-$2,000))

Results

Visualization

How It Works

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Material choice affects both aesthetics and longevity, with zirconia and gold being the most durable options.

The Formula

Per Crown = Material Cost + Temporary Crown
Total = Per Crown x Number
Insurance = min(Total x Coverage%, Annual Max)
Out-of-Pocket = Total - Insurance

Variables

Material — Porcelain $1,150, Zirconia $1,750, PFM $1,100, Gold $1,650 avg
Temp — Temporary crown while permanent is fabricated ($200)
Annual Max — Insurance annual cap limits total coverage

Worked Example

A zirconia crown ($1,750) with temporary ($200) = $1,950 total. At 50% coverage with a $1,500 annual max, insurance pays $975 and you pay $975.

Practical Tips

Zirconia crowns are the strongest and most natural-looking for back teeth
Same-day CEREC crowns eliminate the need for a temporary but may cost more
If you need multiple crowns, consider splitting across two plan years to maximize insurance
Gold crowns last the longest (20-40 years) but are less aesthetic
Ask about a dental discount plan if you have no insurance - saves 15-40%

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the DentalCalcs Editorial Team